Strategic Sourcing Manager - 3rd Party Operations

Brambles Limited; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global logistics company in Manchester seeks an experienced procurement professional to lead strategic sourcing initiatives and contract management. The role requires over 7 years of experience, strong negotiation skills, and a collaborative mindset to build relationships with stakeholders. Proficiency in English and flexibility for up to 25% travel across Europe is essential. Enjoy a hybrid work model with perks like a company car and bonus plan, contributing to impactful global sustainability projects.

Benefits

Company Car

Bonus Plan

Laptop and iPhone

Hybrid remote job

Skill development opportunities

Participation in global projects

Independence and responsibility

Career support

Qualifications

• 7+ years' experience in procurement, ideally outsourcing or subcontractor management.
• Proven track record leading complex negotiations and managing contracts.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sustainable category sourcing strategies.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms.
• Manage supplier performance across key categories.

Skills

Active Learning

Adaptability

Category Strategy

Contract Management

Cost Management

Cross-Functional Work

Curiosity

Digital Literacy

Emotional Intelligence

Empathy

Initiative

Market Analysis

Problem Solving

Procurement Strategies

Procurement Systems

Responsible Sourcing

Risk Management

Strategic Sourcing

Supplier Management

Supplier Performance Management (PM)

Job description

CHEP helps move more goods to more people, in more places than any other organization on earth via our 347 million pallets, crates and containers. We employ approximately 13,000 people and operate in 60 countries. Through our pioneering and sustainable share‑and‑reuse business model, the world’s biggest brands trust us to help them transport their goods more efficiently, safely and with less environmental impact. What does that mean for you? You’ll join an international organization big enough to take you anywhere, and small enough to get you there sooner. You’ll help change how goods get to market and contribute to global sustainability. You’ll be empowered to bring your authentic self to work and be surrounded by diverse and driven professionals. And you can maximize your work‑life balance and flexibility through our Hybrid Work Model.

Job Description

• Develop and execute sustainable category sourcing strategies for the region/function that align with global and local procurement priorities.
• Act as a champion for strategic sourcing, ensuring that procurement initiatives deliver long‑term value and meet organizational needs.
• Lead category management for key spend areas, applying data‑driven insights, market intelligence, and advanced procurement techniques to maximize value and minimize risk. Ensure category strategies consider external market factors and emerging trends that could impact business objectives.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with senior business stakeholders, ensuring procurement is involved early in the sourcing process. Leverage procurement’s expertise to align sourcing initiatives with business needs, offering strategic advice that enhances procurement’s role within the organization.
• Lead complex negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms and manage pricing strategies. Ensure the implementation of new pricing agreements, manage supplier contracts, and conduct ongoing reviews to ensure compliance with contractual terms.
• Oversee supplier performance management across key categories, ensuring suppliers consistently meet performance, quality, and cost requirements.
• Ensure all procurement activities adhere to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and ethical standards. Develop strategies to minimize supply chain risk, including mitigating supplier risk, financial exposure, and potential disruptions.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the procurement function, ensuring alignment with annual targets. Provide regular updates on procurement performance, cost savings, supplier performance, and compliance metrics to senior leadership.

Your Profile

We are seeking an experienced procurement professional with a minimum of 7 years’ experience, ideally in outsourcing or subcontractor management at a regional or global level. You should have a proven track record in leading complex negotiations and managing contracts effectively. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to design and implement strategic frameworks that deliver operational improvements and cost efficiencies. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, as you will collaborate across multiple functions and geographies.

Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in additional European languages—such as French, Spanish, Italian, or Polish—will be highly advantageous. This role also requires flexibility to travel across Europe, with an expectation of up to 25% travel time.

Why Join Brambles?

• Be part of a global leader in supply chain solutions
• Working with a growing global and diverse team of driven and seasoned sustainability professionals, passionate about driving an ambitious program
• Work on impactful projects that span multiple jurisdictions
• Collaborate with experts across Europe and beyond
• Enjoy a role with real influence and opportunities for growth

What we offer

• Company Car
• Bonus Plan
• Laptop and iPhone
• Hybrid remote job
• Ability to develop your skills and understanding of business in a worldwide logistics company
• Participation in worldwide projects
• Area to build your independence and own responsibilities
• Support at every stage of your career

Remote Type

Hybrid Remote

Skills to succeed in the role

• Active Learning
• Adaptability
• Category Strategy
• Contract Management
• Cost Management
• Cross‑Functional Work
• Curiosity
• Digital Literacy
• Emotional Intelligence
• Empathy
• Initiative
• Market Analysis
• Problem Solving
• Procurement Strategies
• Procurement Systems
• Responsible Sourcing
• Risk Management
• Strategic Sourcing
• Supplier Management
• Supplier Performance Management (PM)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to developing a diverse workforce in which everyone is treated fairly, with respect, and has the opportunity to contribute to business success while realizing his or her potential. This means harnessing the unique skills and experience that each individual brings and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.